I've had a bit of an epiphany.
Homeschool can be as fun or as stressful as you make it.
If this sounds strange, hang on with me for a minute.
Just like everything with our kids, we can make it a battle or enjoy it. ("But wait, it's THEM making it a battle not ME!" I've often felt the same way.) Take eating vegetables. Or bedtime. Or anything else.
We can make it a battle where we are arguing, and there are tears. Or we can encourage them, make it fun, or just sit patiently with them until they do it.
I happen to have a child who enjoys a battle, so if there is any way we can cooperate, please, let's do that. Let's NOT make a battle. Yes, I do make them clean their rooms, eat their vegetables and take a shower. HOW? A big part is schedule. Do the same thing at the same time so it's expected and less likely to be argued against. Make it fun. Make taking showers a race, and have a small snack afterwards before bed. Do it with them. Sit down and read before bed so it's more of a fun activity than a dreaded one.
Ok, how does this play into homeschool?
Trust me, homeschool can be a battle zone. And, it has been, at my house. For days, weeks, years.
But, lately, it hasn't been as much. WHY?
Schedule- Everyday, we start at (about) the same time. They are less likely to pitch a fit or start an intricate game if they know school is starting.
Make if fun- Watch a video about the subject you are learning in Science. Do learning games online- www.spellingcity.com is a great one for spelling, and there are lots of math and English games too. Everything doesn't have to be drudgery to be learning.
Make it age or ability appropriate- Don't make school overbearing by demanding something of them that they cannot do. If your 5 year old can't sit still to read, have him read some, and then jump on a small trampoline or run up and down the hall. If your 9 year old struggles to read at age level, read the text books aloud, and let her read something she enjoys for her "reading" time. If your 10 year old struggles with memorizing math facts, keep practicing them, for months or years if need be. You can make school work FOR you not AGAINST you.
Do it together- Start the day with songs, prayer, or exercise-- get in a good mood! Share a relaxing breakfast together, and talk about your dreams. Stay positive, and try to remember that these little people are first and foremost your children, not your students. Do projects together. Read together. Go on walks, go to the library.... always be learning, always be doing things together.
Let go of FEAR- For a long time, I was afraid to swerve from the curriculum even a little bit. I didn't want to miss a day of "school" to take an exciting trip because that day would have to be "made up" at the end of the year. Part of this comes with experience, and personality, but let your homeschool be truly YOURS and don't let what you perceive others (including that curriculum) think of you.
Hope this can encourage someone! Blessings.
